Graduate F.A.Q.
Below is the list of topics for the frequently asked questions. Click on the topic and check the questions.
Application process and requirements
Jobs, Internships, and On-Campus Employment
Questions related to major/Courses
1. What can I do with an MS in MIS degree?
The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) degree gives students the skills and background needed to develop and manage an organization's information resources, technology, and infrastructure. It serves as a source of added knowledge and experience for MIS undergraduates and practitioners interested in obtaining an advanced degree. It also provides career growth opportunities for those who find that their careers demand graduate-level MIS education.
Students educated in the program will be qualified for a variety of business system analyst, MIS analyst, consulting analyst, and technology management positions. They will also be qualified for admission to doctoral programs in information systems studies. A community advisory committee helps keep the program current with the needs of the business community.
2. If I were to choose this degree, what topics/courses would I be studying?
The main course topics covered under the MIS program can be found in the course catalog. UNO also offers concentrations that help students focus in a specified area, improving their employability in those specific fields. The course topics covered under each concentration available in the MS in MIS can be found here.
3. How many credits are required for completion of this degree?
A total of 36 credits are required to complete the MS in MIS, including 18 credits from core courses and 18 credits from elective courses.
4. Is there a specific order to the program?
There is flexibility within the program, although some of the graduate courses require completion of another course in the program before enrolling. An example is ISQA 8380 (Enterprise Architecture and System Integration) which has a prerequisite of ISQA 8310 (Data Communications). It is wise to have a general layout of your entire program so that you do not count on taking a course during a specific semester, just to find out you need a prerequisite that you have not completed. You will have a graduate advisor in the College of Information Science & Technology help you develop a plan of study based on your course interests and the prerequisite requirements. We encourage you to go to an advisor with any questions you have about your course schedule.
5. Are there opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad, etc. associated with this program?
Absolutely! All these opportunities are available with this major. The internships available for this major can be found here.
With a strong focus on applied research, we build upon the lessons learned in basic research and use these findings in the community. Information on various research labs available in the IS&T department can be found here.
The Study Abroad opportunities available are explained here.
6. What skills will this major help me develop?
Skills you will develop in the MS in MIS program include, but are not limited to:
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Time management
- Self-motivation
- Technical skills like web application development
- Detail-orientation
- Effective communication
- Management and leadership abilities
7. What kinds of jobs do students who graduate with this degree typically pursue?
Students educated in the program will be qualified for a variety of business system analyst, MIS analyst, consulting analyst, and technology management positions. They will also be qualified for admission to doctoral programs in information systems studies.
Questions related to Prerequisites:
1. I had statistics in my undergraduate program. Do I have to take it again?
In most cases, only one semester of undergraduate statistics is not sufficient to cover the foundation requirement. However, if the course covered ANOVA, Multiple Regression, and Multiple Correlation, then submit the syllabus with a request to waive the second semester to the Graduate Advisor.
2. Although I have not had the formal coursework, what is covered in the foundation courses is what I have been doing at my job. Can I get the foundation course waived?
Typically, courses are not waived for work experience. However, many foundation courses have a waiver exam you can take. If you mastered the skills at work, you should be able to test out of the foundation requirement.
3. My admission letter indicates I need to take several foundation courses. I think I have covered these courses in previous coursework or in job experience. What is the procedure to waive foundation courses?
If you feel you have taken a course that covered the material of the foundation course(s), please send the syllabus for the course to one of our graduate advisors. They will forward it to the appropriate person(s) for review. If the course is not approved as sufficient to waive your foundation requirement, you may still have the option of taking a waiver exam to try and prove you have the course knowledge.
4. I don't have any background in technology. Will I be able to get through the program okay?
A good assumption is that if you do not have a background in computers, then you need to take the foundation courses for the program. The foundation courses are in place to give you just that: a foundation so that you will be able to succeed in the MS in MIS program.
Questions related to Entrance Exams
1. What is the minimum required entrance exams scores for getting admission into this major?
- Applicants who do not have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an institution of higher education in the United States are required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The minimum scores are:
- Verbal: 144
- Quantitative: 148
- International applicants who do not have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an English-speaking institution of higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, English-speaking Africa, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit proof of English proficiency. The minimum scores are:
- Paper-based TOEFL: 577
- Computer-based TOEFL: 233
- Internet-based TOEFL: 85
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE: 61
2. Do I have to take the GMAT/GRE?
The GMAT/GRE may be waived if you have earned a minimum of a 3.25 GPA in a minimum of three foundation courses taken at UNO. For a list of foundation courses, please see the Graduate Catalog or click here. (A student enrolled as non-degree in the Graduate College must receive authorization to enroll in Foundation Courses. Contact unoistgrad@unomaha.edu)
3. Where do I send my GRE/GMAT Scores?
Have your scores sent directly from the testing center to the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate College. Do not send them directly to ISQA department, as a formal procedure that takes place in the Graduate College must be followed.
Official scores (GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL) are to be submitted electronically if available, or by post through the contact information below:
ETS School Code: 6420
GMAT School Code: VWNW357
UNO Office of Graduate Studies
6001 Dodge Street
Eppley Administration Building, Room 203
Omaha, NE 68182-0209
Questions related to the application process and requirements
1. How do I apply?
The entire application process can be found here.
2. What are the deadlines for admission?
The application deadline for each semester is
- Fall admission - July 1
- Spring admission - December 1
- Summer admission - April 1
3. Where do I check the status of my application?
You can check your application status by logging into MavLINK. Your NUID and password to access MavLINK will have been emailed to you after admission. If you cannot find it you can recover your access here. MavLINK will also show you a to-do list of outstanding items needed to finish your application.
The MS in MIS Graduate Program Committee does not receive an application for review until the Graduate College has received all required parts. If you have questions about outstanding to-do items, please contact the Graduate College at gradschool@unomaha.edu.
Please note that it may take several weeks for your application to be evaluated after all materials are received. If you have questions over the status of your application and all materials are submitted you can contact a graduate advisor.
4. When do I need to send my official transcripts and where?
If you are admitted to UNO, you will be required to submit official academic records. Official transcripts are accepted by post or electronically through Parchment. Please see the contact information below:
UNO Office of Graduate Studies
6001 Dodge Street
203 Eppley Administration Building
Omaha, NE 68182-0209
Email: gradschool@unomaha.edu
Special note for Applicants with International Documents: All official International transcripts/mark sheets and degree certifications are to be submitted by post or courier to Graduate Studies. If you have submitted a "course-by-course" evaluation from a credential evaluation service, the official evaluation is to be submitted through post of courier to Graduate Studies by the credential evaluation service.
Questions related to Scholarship/Financial Aid
1. Are there scholarships available specifically for students in this program?
There is a range of scholarships available to graduate students. Check with UNO Financial Aid for further information 402.554.2327.
College of IS&T Graduate Program Financial Aid & Tuition
2. Am I able to apply for a Graduate Assistantship?
There are a limited number of Graduate Assistantships available. Most of the time, you must already be active in the MS in MIS program to be considered for an assistantship. You must apply for this position. Applications will be available late spring. Contact your advisor for more information. Graduate Assistantships cover Tuition costs (not including fees or books), as well as provide a stipend. The workload averages 20 hours a week.
Questions related to Registration
1. How do I go about signing up for courses when MavLink will not let me in without permission? Where can I get this permission?
You will need to contact an academic advisor for any permission numbers needed for enrollment. It is strongly encouraged you meet with an advisor every semester to update your plan of study and be sure the courses you are taking meet your academic and professional goals.
Questions related to Jobs, Internships and On-Campus Employment
1. Where can I get information about the Omaha job market, housing, etc.?
There is some information about Omaha and UNO’s connection to the city available on our website. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce also provides information on the city’s business environment.
2. Where should I apply for on-campus employment?
You can find and apply for on-campus jobs at https://unomaha.peopleadmin.com. More information can be obtained at the UNO Human Resources website.
3. What is the acceptance rate for this degree?
The acceptance rate for this major is approximately 50%.
Still have questions after reading the above? Please contact Graduate Office by e-mail (unoistgrad@unomaha.edu) or by phone 402.554.3818.